Photo Information: Southern California guard Tahj Eaddy, left, shoots and makes a game-winning three-point shot as UCLA guard Jaylen Clark defends during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, March 6, 2021, in Los Angeles. USC won 64-63. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Damn does it feel good. Better than good, it’s never felt more exciting to be so uncertain.
Ah, yes. March. The beautiful month of upsets and buzzer-beaters, who’s cancellation in 2020 was the grim start to a dreary year. But now, with the proven success of the bubble method and increased coronavirus vaccination rollouts, 2021 is here for redemption.
I think this March will be the craziest of them all.
Duke has already shocked the nation, missing the madness mark for the first time since 1996. Go back twenty more years and that’s the last time a tournament was played without Duke and Kentucky. The First Four Out are actually on standby to be a part of the last 72 in. A positive COVID test forced Virginia to withdraw from the ACC tournament and then the Cavaliers received a bid to the hardwood. Gonzaga seems like a unanimous favorite to go fully undefeated on the season, as if March would ever let that happen.
The potential for unrelenting chaos is at an all-time high.
If not for the aforementioned upsets and buzzer beaters, or teams having to forfeit or be replaced due to coronavirus protocol, then for the pure feeling of knowing the wildness in the March Madness jungle will ensue. We will have the opportunity to scream at our televisions and pray the 16 seed knocks out No. 1. Or not. Depends on your bracket.
Speaking of, I have a bracket to fill out.
On that bracket I'll have No. 12 UCSB kicking No. 5 Creighton out of the first round, even though it'll take a lot to get over my inexplicable bias for Creighton that has me sending them deep every year. Call me crazy, but Ohio State is in my Final Four. Houston probably is, too. Maybe I'll send a sixth-ranked USC to the Sweet 16 based purely off school spirit (and Evan Mobley). Sixth-ranked to the Sweet 16? That's a sign, no?
Anyway, welcome to March. Don't forget to check your practicality at the door.
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